Q. What is robotic surgery?

A. Robotic surgery is a new type of minimally invasive surgery that uses slender telescope-like instruments placed through small incisions in the patient's belly. The robot doesn't actually replace the surgeon, but is a device controlled by the surgeon, who operates from a console a few feet away while viewing a 3-dimensional image of the operative field. The robot functions as an extension of the surgeon's hands. Robotic assisted surgery combines dexterity and precision with advanced 3-dimensional imaging to overcome the surgical limitations of standard laparoscopy.

Q. What is the da Vinci?

A. The da Vinci Surgical System is a totally “intuitive” laparoscopic surgical robot. It uses miniature instruments to perform surgery, allowing for very small, keyhole size incisions. The surgeon controls the da Vinci unit from a remote console that precisely and seamlessly translates the surgeons’ hand, wrist and finger movements to the robotic arms inside the patient. The system provides the surgeon with better visualization, dexterity, precision and control than with open surgery.

Q. What are the benefits of using the da Vinci Surgical System over more traditional methods of surgery?

A. Some of the major benefits experienced by surgeons using the da Vinci Surgical System over traditional approaches have been greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization and improved access. Benefits experienced by patients may include a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, less scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities.